Two years in the making – Groove Junkies debut artist album “In The Zone” is a milestone achievement for venerable Los Angeles by way of NYC Writer / Producer / DJ Evan Landes. The evolution of his artistry is on full display as “Zone” showcases a diverse musical, rhythmic and lyrical palette which isn’t bound by any of today’s passing trends. GJ’s signature soul drenched dance grooves and hybrid funk are in abundance, although a multitude of varied musical influences such as Afro, Jazz, Disco, R&B, Tech House, Gospel and Rock can also be found throughout the well balanced long player. It’s clear intent is to move the listener physically with the dancefloor in mind, but also provoke thought with lyrical content that engages you on an emotional level. In an age where so much of today’s dance music is perceived as being bland, cookie cutter and forgettable, “ITZ” dispels that myth by offering a wide range of intelligently crafted songs and tracks which feature an international collective of immensely gifted musicians, vocalists and spoken word artists. The album contains sixteen tracks in all – 14 songs (3 of which are GJs classics re-worked, and 3 which are ‘bonus’ tracks), along with the opening Prelude and Interlude; and there’s also a 13 track non-stop continuous bonus version. Now turn down the lights, turn up the volume and enjoy the journey!

Michael Fossati (Spirit of House.com) – …our “ALBUM OF THE YEAR!”

Craig Bartlett (Tillate Magazine) – love it..my album of the month!

Richard Earnshaw (Duffnote) – a pleasure to listen to from start to finish.

Russell Deeks (iDJ) – ‘In The Zone’ is sheer class!

Brian Tappert (traxsource, Soulfuric) – lots of standout cuts…hot!

Terry Mathew (5 Magazine) – great songs, with fantastic vocalists…the House Bible for 2010!

Roy Morrison – Amplifiedsoulnyc blog – Every track & song is a winner….magic.

Ian Thompson – Electronica magazine.com – It’s a musical master class!

Tony Garvey – (Go-Music Promotions) – a long player that achieves great balance……

Lewis Dene (DJ Mag, Update, Tillate) – …considerable more depth than many of today’s disposable dance recordings…..

Evan Landes (aka Groove Junkies) has launched numerous assaults on global dance charts since 1995. Having had previous releases on Virgin, and Champion, he launched his own MoreHouse label in 2002. He’s gone from strength to strength with each release, gaining support from industry heavyweights such as Frankie Knuckles, Louie Vega, David Morales, Roger Sanchez, Ben Watt, Joey Negro and Tony Humphries to name a few. His original chart topping songs (“Deeper,” “Gonna Get By,” “Oh Lord,” “Dr Feelgood,” “Music’s Gotcha Jumpin’,” ‘Free Your Mind’, “Black Man In The White House” and most recently his “In The Zone” album sampler to name a few), best selling compilations (Om, Bargrooves) high profile remixes (Rihanna, Frankie Knuckles, Ben Watt, Pussycat Dolls, Deborah Cox, Leela James) and popular syndicated radio show MoHo Stereo have inspired a legion of loyal fans throughout the global dance community.

Nominations for ‘Breakthrough Producer’ at London’s House Music Awards, and ‘Breakthrough DJ’ at the Ibiza DJ Awards have offered well deserved recognition of GJ’s exceptional ability.

Additionally, GJs have contributed to the output on labels such as Island/Def Jam, A &M, Warner Bros., J Records, Ultra, Defected, Definity, Om Records, Soulfuric, Mn2S and Buzzin’ Fly. Original productions and remixes by Groove Junkies have also been licensed to Universal, Defected ITH, Hed Kandi, Ministry of Sound, OM, Seamless, and MN2S.

Evan has rocked the decks at such diverse venues/festivals/parties as Def Mix @ Pacha, Ibiza with friend and mentor Frankie Knuckles & Hec Romero, Club Essential in Riga Latvia, Catwalk in Barcelona, Turmills in London, SHE @ Trademark in Sydney Australia, The Smart Bar in Chicago, Mansion in Miami, Detroit’s Electronic Movement Festival, and the Electric Daisy Carnival & DEEP in Los Angeles to name a few.

There’s no shortage of US based house producers, so it takes something quite special to rise above the rest and shine. The fact that Groove Junkies have cultivated such a strong reputation in such varied corners of this industry is testament not only to Evan’s enormous talent as a producer and his unbridled skill as a DJ, but a combination of both – intertwined with that rarest of things; true star quality.
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